Russia Continuously Aiming at British Space Assets, Space Command Chief Reports
Moscow is trying to disrupt UK military satellites on a regular basis, according to the leader of the UK Space Command.
Major General Paul Tedman revealed that Russian forces were consistently attempting to interfere with UK-based military activities on a weekly basis and were carefully observing the nation's orbital systems.
“We’re seeing UK space assets facing interference by the Russians on a reasonably persistent basis,” he said.
The UK operates about six dedicated military satellites for communication and observation, which the general noted were equipped with anti-interference systems.
He added: “They’ve got equipment on board that are able to observe UK space assets and are attempting to gather information from them.”
International Orbital Dangers
The danger of orbital disruption is not limited to the United Kingdom. Earlier this fall, the German defense minister, Boris Pistorius, announced that Moscow was monitoring Intelsat space systems operated by the German military.
“They can jam, blind, control or physically damage satellites,” he said at a orbital defense meeting in Berlin.
Cooperative Countermeasures
Reacting to growing international tensions, the UK and the US last month conducted their initial joint space operation in orbit, in what defense officials described as a significant advancement in allied cooperation.
During early September, a American space asset was relocated in orbit to examine a UK satellite and confirm it was operating correctly. The operation was conducted under Operation Olympic Defender, a combined defense program aimed at enhancing space protection and resilience.
“Expertly executed with US Space Command, I could not be more pleased or proud of the rapid progress we are achieving with our allies,” the general commented.
Increasing Tensions
The escalation in space comes as tensions with Russia continue to rise.
The UK foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated recently that Britain was “ready to act” after the US president, President Trump, publicly urged NATO partners to shoot down intruding Russian aircraft.
During an address to the UN in September, Cooper censured Russia's “inflammatory and irresponsible” incursions of Nato airspace in the past month, including incidents over Baltic nations, Poland and Southeastern Europe.
